When I started doing TV and movie recaps, I wondered if I should do something that is dated. Part of me thinks that there is a group of you who have already seen this movie. But there is another part of me that thinks there is a group that hasn’t seen this and might want a recommendation. Insert ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ which you can find on Netflix. It is a movie from the late ’90s that launched Matt Damon’s career. It is a loaded cast with Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law, Cate Blanchett, and the late great Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

What’s the movie about? – It takes place in the ’50s as Damon’s character, Tom Ripley, pretends to know a rich man’s son from Princeton. It is all an act, but the man falls for it. He asks Damon to bring back his son played by Law from Italy to start working on the family business. From there, shit gets weird with Damon and Law. The two develop a friendship but things go south real quick.

One Thing I Liked: I never knew what was coming next – This is a classic thriller. I would not call it predictable in the slightest as the twists weren’t ever severe yet they were still unknown. The way the movie weaved in and out with its various characters was truly impressive. Damon is a powerhouse in this role. The same goes for Law and everyone else. It is truly well-acted which helps add drama.

One Thing I Didn’t Like: Tom Ripley’s unknown sexuality – Now, this movie was made in the late ’90s based on a book from the ’50s, likely, they did not dabble in the sexuality waters like we do today. But it is weirdly bothersome to figure out whether Ripley is gay, straight, or fluid to all genders. If you figure it out, drop me a line.

Should I watch this? Yeah, it’s a good one. It is a little long so do not start it late at night, but it is a movie worth your time.

Charlie.